YOUTH BOW OUT OF LEAGUE CUP

10 December 2013

Cheltenham 1-1 Rovers (home side win on penalties)

Rovers, the holders, bowed out of this season’s League Cup competition after losing a penalty shootout against Cheltenham Town.

Leading through Laurent Davis-Wilson’s first half goal, Rovers conceded in the final minute of the game which then went straight to penalties as the competition does not allow for extra time when the scores are level at the end of ninety minutes.

“It was,” said Alan Walsh, “both disappointing and frustrating because we played very well.

“We restricted Cheltenham to one header in the first half, which Kieran Preston saved well, and the 92nd minute effort from which they scored.

“We created enough chances to have won the game, but when you are only a goal to the good there is always a chance that your opponents will hit back to equalise and that’s what happened.”

Alan had seen his side take the lead in the opening period. “There was a good passage of link up play between Laurent and Ryan Broom before Laurent beat the Cheltenham keeper from 15 yards.

“I think we deserved to be in front at that point, and we went on to be the more offensive of the two sides for the remainder of the game.

“However, we were unable to score a second goal, which would have made all the difference, and we conceded an equaliser from a corner.

“I think it was a case of us switching off a little bit at that point in the game and, as I said to the boys afterwards, you can’t afford to switch off for even one second.

“It was a harsh lesson for us, as Cheltenham went on to win the penalty shootout and so we wish them well in the next round.”